Barack Obama recently discussed his eldest daughter Malia’s decision to keep her last name separate from her professional work, particularly as she launched her directorial debut with “The Heart” at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Rather than using “Malia Obama,” the 26-year-old opted to go by “Malia Ann” in the film’s credits, a choice Barack revealed didn’t surprise him. Speaking on The Pivot Podcast, Obama shared insights into Malia’s and his younger daughter Sasha’s strong independence and sensitivity around public identity, mentioning their resistance to receiving any special help or recognition because of their famous family background.
Reflecting on Malia’s choice to establish her professional identity, Obama recalled telling her, “You do know they’ll know who you are,” to which Malia responded by expressing her desire for viewers to focus solely on her work, free from any associations with her family. “I want them to watch it that first time and not in any way have that association,” Malia had explained.Barack added that both Malia and Sasha actively avoid leveraging their family name, choosing instead to pave their own way.
Barack also discussed the media scrutiny his daughters face as they grow older. With paparazzi now more interested in their lives, Malia and Sasha often feel frustrated by the attention, as they’re “not looking for all that.” Obama shared that despite the challenges, his daughters remain grounded, focusing on leading their lives with integrity and avoiding the spotlight. This intentional distance from fame, he noted, aligns with the values he and Michelle Obama instilled in them. Obama recalled nearly refraining from running for office to shield his daughters from the public eye. Eventually, he made a deal with the White House press pool to respect his daughters’ privacy. “They didn’t choose this,” he had told them, emphasizing his request for privacy during their childhood, a request largely honored by the media.
Proudly reflecting on his daughters’ accomplishments and independence,
Barack expressed admiration for Malia and Sasha’s resilience and growth. “They’ve turned out amazing. I can’t brag about them enough,”
Underscoring his pride in how both daughters have maintained a balance between personal aspirations and navigating their unique position in the public eye.Despite Malia’s efforts to maintain a low profile professionally, she faced criticism for her choice to go by “Malia Ann,” with some labeling her as a “nepo baby.” One critic, targeting her desire to distance herself from her last name, wrote, “Calling yourself ‘Malia Ann’ is not going to avert any Nepo Baby criticisms, Miss Former First Daughter.” The term “nepo baby” refers to the advantages celebrities’ children may receive in creative industries, often gaining opportunities due to family connections.
Whoopi Goldberg, a prominent figure in entertainment who uses a stage name, voiced strong support for Malia’s decision on The View. Goldberg defended Malia’s right to define her own identity, reminding critics that Malia has the freedom to choose her professional name. “She knows she’s an Obama, why do you care?” Goldberg argued. “If she wanted to call herself Jeanette McDonald, she has the right to! If I can be Whoopi Goldberg, she can be whoever the hell she wants to be!” Goldberg also questioned why people invest time in trivial judgments, saying, “Why are people triggered by this kind of stuff? Why are people wasting their time?”
This choice by Malia to avoid the spotlight underscores a larger generational shift, with more children of high-profile figures working to establish their own identities apart from their families. As Obama highlighted, Malia’s intent to focus on her craft rather than her surname reflects the values of independence and perseverance he and Michelle aimed to instill. The example set by Malia and Sasha resonates as a testament to the strength of personal agency in a world increasingly influenced by fame and public perception.
For Malia, pursuing her career as “Malia Ann” is a deliberate step to let her work speak for itself. While criticisms may persist, her efforts to establish her identity underscore a commitment to her craft, proving that even those born into fame can work hard to build their own legacies.
